One free agent every NHL team should sign this offseason

By C.L. Kohuss | May 22, 2018

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 18: Patrick Maroon #17 of the New Jersey Devils heads out to play against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 16: James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits for a faceoff against the Boston Bruins in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 Stanley Cup Play-offs at the Air Canada Centre on April 16, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** James van Riemsdyk /

Buffalo Sabres: James Van Riemsdyk, Left Wing

Like Arizona, the Buffalo Sabres are going to have plenty of money to throw around when the time comes. The thing is, they don’t often go for big names in free agency. Or at least, big names are not often want to sign with the Sabres. Low levels of regular season and playoff success will do that.

Buffalo could go for broke here, and when they nab Rasmus Dahlin first overall in the draft, they’re going to be instantly better on defense. Pairing the left-handed Dahlin with former first round pick Rasmus Ristolainen should improve the latter’s game dramatically as well. From the hype around Dahlin, we suppose Buffalo could pair him with anyone and it would make them better.

With roughly $25 million available, the Sabres should look at signing a few quality forwards to dig them out of that last place goals-for hole. Unfortunately, we can only give you one. But with Jack Eichel and Ryan O’Reilly on the roster and producing, and with 2017 first round pick Casey Mittelstadt waiting in the wings, James Van Riemsdyk would be a solid boost on the left side to a club struggling for offense.

He posted a career year in goals with 36. His advanced numbers are wonderful, and he’s likely to be more cost-efficient than someone like Tavares, though he could still command $7 million if someone is willing to pay it. That would allow Buffalo to add a few more pieces without locking down another player at $10 million a season for the next five to six years.

Van Riemsdyk will also produce for you on the powerplay while giving solid minutes as a two-way forward. He may not be the hottest choice, but the Sabres need help across the board. This would be a good start. We caution though that Van Riemsdyk is not guaranteed to last throughout whatever contract he’s given. He’s about at his ceiling, which is worth the risk if he plays as well for the next three or four years. Two to three is probably about right before he starts to decline.

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